Redefinition and Harmonization in Biotech Regulation Necessary, Experts Say

Several regulatory frameworks are no longer applicable, thus there's a need to redefine regulatory approach for biotechnology to maximize its potential and benefits. This is according to Dr. Markus Wyss, Strain Director of DSM Switzerland's Global Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management and one of the speakers in the ISAAA Webinar Genome Editing 101: Healthcare and Industrial Applications and Regulations held via Zoom on June 19, 2020.

The webinar aimed to discuss the science behind genome editing, the various regulatory perspectives on genome editing, and current healthcare and industrial applications of genome editing. Aside from Dr. Wyss, the other resource speakers were Dr. Nina Gloriani, Chair of the Vaccine Expert Panel at the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, and Dr. Martin Lema, Former Chair of the National Biosafety Commission in Argentina. Dr. Gloriani presented the various applications of CRISPR for medical and health applications, including updates in the medical interventions for genetic diseases, cancer, and viruses. Dr. Lema called for a harmonized regulation all over the world to overcome obstacles in diverging national regulatory definitions. ISAAA SEAsiaCenter Director Dr. Rhodora R. Aldemita served as the moderator of the discussions.

The free webinar, hosted by ISAAA SEAsiaCenter, reached approximately 5,214 individuals from 53 countries. Watch the replay on Youtube. The next ISAAA webinar will be held on July 3, 2020, to be hosted by ISAAA AfriCenter. Subscribe to ISAAA.org to get updates on the upcoming ISAAA webinars.